The corona-related exemption scheme for risk groups, which expired at the end of June and was suspended in the summer, is now – until the end of December – valid again. This was announced by Labor Minister Martin Kocher and Health Minister Johannes Rauch.
The measure was justified by the “continuing risk of contamination for risk groups in the workplace”. There is no exemption for pregnant women, which criticizes the ÖGB.
“Best possible protection”
Since August, people who have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 have been subject to a traffic restriction instead of mandatory isolation. The underlying COVID-19 Traffic Restriction Ordinance states that people who have tested positive may go to work under certain conditions – provided they have no symptoms. “In order to continue to offer people with an increased health risk the best possible protection at work, the protection of vulnerable groups will be expanded,” said the two ministers. The so-called Risk Group Regulation is initially valid until 31 December 2022.
The general risk of infection increases in the fall and winter. With a corona vaccination and an upright vaccination status, employees are well protected against tough courses. “However, this does not apply to members of risk groups who, despite vaccination, have to fear serious diseases or who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons,” emphasized Kocher.
Mask Requirement and 3-G Rule
“In addition, in vulnerable environments such as hospitals and in retirement and nursing homes, masks are still mandatory and the 3-G rule applies,” it was reminded. But also in the workplace, the protection of vulnerable people must have the highest priority.
The currently applicable regulation is based on a legal regulation for risk groups that was adopted in June. Recently it was reactivated after the traffic restrictions were put in place. The leave is only used in extreme cases and serves as protection for people who have to fear an increased risk of Covid 19 due to previous illnesses. Where the professional activity can be carried out in the home office and a workplace can be redesigned to maintain the safety distance to save, the activity can continue. According to the information provided, the employer will be reimbursed 100 percent of the costs of the leave.
“Certainly now that there is an increased risk of infection, it is important to keep risk groups free from work,” says Kocher.
ÖGB demands exemption from pregnant women
The trade union federation ÖGB criticized that there is no exemption for pregnant women. “Pregnant women are turning to us and they are unsettled because they have no protection since the beginning of July. We therefore continue to demand the immediate release of all pregnant women from the 14th week of pregnancy, regardless of their vaccination status and the sector in which they work,” says Korinna Schumann, vice president and federal women’s president of the ÖGB.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
